The Rowan Center’s prevention workshops are available in English and Spanish to students in kindergarten through 12th grade, as well as to parents, professionals, college students, and other community members. We are proud to work closely with local law enforcement and medical professionals to ensure that they have the training required to effectively handle cases involving sexual assault. We believe that the best way to address sexual violence is to educate and engage the entire community.

The Rowan Center’s prevention education programs are designed raise awareness about sexual violence, signs of perpetrator behavior, and symptoms of trauma. Most importantly, we provide individuals with the tools necessary to know what to do if they or someone they know have been affected by this crime.

PUBLIC ACT 14-196:In 2015, The Connecticut Alliance to End Sexual Violence, The Rowan Center for Sexual Assault Crisis Counseling and Education, the Connecticut Department of Children and Families and the Connecticut Board of Education, formed a taskforce to create the standards within the framework of Public Act 14-196. These standards include the learning objectives and core performance indicators that each program must meet. The comprehensive K-12 prevention education programs below are in full compliance with these standards, meeting all of the requirements within the framework of the law.

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ELEMENTARY SCHOOL PROGRAMSFeeling SafeRecommended for KindergartenRun time: 30 minutesFeeling Safe is presented with an interactive picture book that empowers students with messages of body autonomy and trust in their feelings. Students will learn about OK and NOT OK touches and the steps to take if anyone makes them feel uncomfortable.

–Feeling Safe: Identifying FeelingsRecommended for 1st GradeRun time: 45 minutesThis program starts with an interactive exercise in which students are given an opportunity to explore different feelings and how they are uniquely expressed per individual. This exercise is followed by the reading of the Feeling Safe book. Students will learn that they are in charge of their own bodies, how to tell the difference between an OK and NOT OK touch and the steps to take if anyone makes them feel uncomfortable.

–Feeling Safe: EmpathyRecommended for 2nd GradeRun time: 45 minutesThrough an interactive game, students will learn to identify how others are feeling in certain situations and how they themselves can relate. Students are empowered with the message that they are in charge of their own bodies and that no one has the right to touch them in an unhealthy and unsafe way. Students will learn the difference between an OK and NOT OK touch and the steps to take if anyone makes them feel uncomfortable.

–Feeling Safe: BoundariesRecommended for 3rd GradeRun time: 45 minutesThrough an interactive activity, students will come to understand that all people are unique with different, likes, dislikes and boundaries. Students will learn how to recognize non-verbal cues from others and the importance of respecting everyone’s boundaries, including their own. Combined with empowering messages of body autonomy, students learn the difference between an OK and NOT OK touch and the steps to take if anyone makes them feel uncomfortable.

–Feeling Safe: The Power of MeRecommended for 4th Grade2 SessionsRun time: 45 minutes per sessionIn this two-part discussion, students are empowered with messages that they are in charge of their own body and that no one has the right to touch them in an unhealthy and unsafe way. Students will learn the difference between an OK and NOT OK touch and the steps to take if someone makes them feel uncomfortable. Using an interactive activity, discussion and a video, students engage in an age appropriate conversation on the grooming process and learn that no matter what, it is always ok to assert their boundaries.

–Feeling Safe: Media & CultureRecommended for 4th GradeRun time: 45 minutesMedia & Culture asks students to look closely at the messaging they receive from the media and the way these messages shape our construct of gender. Focusing on the rigid gender roles presented by many Disney films and pop icons alike, students learn to identify toxic characteristics of femininity and masculinity and how these views can influence interactions and relationships with peers and family.

–Feeling Safe: Healthy Relationships & FriendshipsRecommended for 5th GradeRun time: 45 minutesWith the Healthy Relationships & Friendships program, students learn the necessary elements of healthy interactions and relationships. Students will use critical thinking skills as they play in an interactive game asking them to identify healthy and unhealthy behaviors and characteristics. Students are taught to recognize “red flag” behaviors and where to seek help for themselves or a friend.

–Digital CitizenshipRecommended for 5th GradeRun time: 45 minutesWith over 900 million users on the Internet in the world, it can be a scary place for young people. This program is designed to reinforce Internet safety skills and to teach students to be “Digital Citizens” by building empathy, boundaries, and bystander interventions skills as they relate to social media and the Internet.

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MIDDLE SCHOOL PROGRAMSSexual HarassmentRecommended for 6th-8th GradeRun time: 45 minutesThis program explains sexual harassment and the forms it can take in the workplace and at school, including discussions on gender-based violence and sexism. Students will learn procedures to follow if they have been a victim of harassment and the services available to them at The Rowan Center.

–Media MessagesRecommended for 6th- 7th GradeRun time 45 minutesMedia Messages teaches students to analyze the rigid gender norms presented by various forms of media. From magazines to pop icons to television and movies, students will learn how culture, media and technology can influence attitudes and behaviors. Students will learn the components of healthy relationships and draw parallels to the relationships that are presented by the media.

–Social Media SafetyRecommended for 6th- 7th GradeRun time 45 minutesStudents will learn what information is safe to share on social media and why it’s important to practice safe Internet use. This program focuses heavily on “sexting” why people “sext” and what to do if a questionable photo or text is received.

–What is Consent?Recommended for 8th GradeRun time 45 minutesThis program provides students with laws and case studies about sexual assault and outlines what consent looks and sounds like. Students will gain an understanding of why sexual violence occurs, what do to when sexual assault takes place, and how to access community resources.

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HIGH SCHOOL PROGRAMSSexual HarassmentRecommended for 9th-12th GradeRun time: 45 minutesThis program helps students understand sexual harassment law, the difference between flirting and harassment, Title IX, and why sexual harassment occurs. Students have the opportunity to understand how gender stereotypes lead to sexual violence and what to do if they experience sexual harassment.

–SextingRecommended for 9th-12th GradeRun time: 45 minutesThis workshop helps students understand what sexting is, why it happens, and the legal, social, and emotional consequences associated with it. In dissecting gender norms, this conversation analyzes how the media influences decision making as it relates to sexting and creates a variety of social pressures. Using case studies and group discussions, students will learn how to handle receiving inappropriate pictures and how to intervene if a photo starts circulating among their peers.

–Dynamics of Sexual AssaultRecommended for 10th-12th GradeRun time: 45 minutesThis program helps students understand sexual assault by explaining specific laws, statistics, and debunking myths about perpetrators and victims. Through activities and conversation, students learn what consent is and when it can and cannot legally be given. Students will be given steps to take in case a sexual assault occurs.

–Know Before You GoRecommended for 12th Grade2 SessionsRun time: 45 minutesKnow Before You Go provides an in depth look at the issue of college sexual assault. Analyzing“campus culture,” students will learn to identify attitudes, behaviors and customs which lay the ground work for sexual violence to flourish.. Students will learn about Affirmative Consent and the policies and laws in place regarding sexual assault response on college campuses.

The second session of this interactive program empowers students to be upstanders in potentially harmful situations. Attendees will gain tools that will allow them to intervene in safe, non-violent ways to help end sexual harassment and sexual abuse.

“Highly professional, accommodating, and collaborative. We are very fortunate to have this important resource!”– Lavi Ben-Zvi, Darien Public Schools

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“The workshops that The Rowan Center provides are essential to the social and emotional health of our students and integral to their safety.”– Jennifer Williams-Argenio, School Social Worker, Rogers International School (Stamford)

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“The Rowan Center is an amazing organization that meets such critical needs and we are excited about partnering with them.”– Carol Smith-Harker, Norwalk Community College

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“The Rowan Center is an amazing resource for children, staff, and parents.”– Caitlin Reichi, School Psychologist, Greenwich Public Schools